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I've always had an affection with figs dating back about 30 years ago when my great-grandmother {Ma-Maw} used to make the most delicious fig preserves you ever tasted. Our family was obsessed over them...we hid jars of them from each other...seriously---even my sweet Southern Baptist grandpa participated in shenanigans to keep all the fig preserves for himself!!

For years, I always thought figs came in two ways--preserves and Newtons [way to give fig a bad name for so many years]. I never knew of them or had even seen them in their fresh state until about 3 years ago and I'm so bummed about that! Fresh figs are divine---some of the most delicious, succelent little fruits my taste buds have ever had cross over them.

I feel like so many people say they don't like figs or they would never even want to try one [thanks again Newtons], but I'll bet you this little concoction with fresh figs, blueberries, lime and mint {+vodka} will change folks' minds about figs everywhere!

This is a photo of the fig tree in my front yard. We planted it in January--its a Chaddock girl family tradition to farm your own figs--and so far its only giving us a fig every other day or so. Once it gets going, I'm going to bust out one of those gorgeous fig mascarpone hazelnut tarts I keep seeing pop up in magazines...but for now, I'll keep taking my one or two figs and making this fabulous little cocktail.

This recipe makes about 3 cocktails....about one serving when your dealing with something this good!

Directions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, add water, sugar and 6-7 mint leaves. Bring to a boil and stir often until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let your simple syrup cool.

While your simple syrup is cooling, gently scoop out the interior of your fig discarding the skin. In a small bowl, muddle your blackberries, another6-7 mint leaves, lime juice and fig together until all the chunks have been broken down.

In a drink shaker, add a handful of ice, the muddled fig and blackberry mixture (should be about 1/2 cup), the vodka and soda. Shake vigorously and pour into your favorite glass....and watch your day brighten in a matter of moments.